Quantum Rabi model in the Brillouin zone with ultracold atoms

TL;DR

This paper proposes a novel quantum simulation method for the quantum Rabi model using ultracold atoms in optical lattices, enabling exploration of extreme parameter regimes beyond natural light-matter interactions.

Contribution

It introduces a new implementation of the two-level system via Bloch band occupation, allowing experimental investigation of the quantum Rabi model in previously inaccessible regimes.

Findings

Feasible experimental setup for quantum Rabi simulation

Identification of a generalized Rabi model in phase space

Potential to explore extreme coupling regimes

Abstract

The quantum Rabi model describes the interaction between a two-level quantum system and a single bosonic mode. We propose a method to perform a quantum simulation of the quantum Rabi model introducing a novel implementation of the two-level system, provided by the occupation of Bloch bands in the first Brillouin zone by ultracold atoms in tailored optical lattices. The effective qubit interacts with a quantum harmonic oscillator implemented in an optical dipole trap. Our realistic proposal allows to experimentally investigate the quantum Rabi model for extreme parameter regimes, which are not achievable with natural light-matter interactions. Furthermore, we also identify a generalized version of the quantum Rabi model in a periodic phase space.